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Side sleeping is the most popular sleeping position, but with added pressure on the hips and shoulders, side sleepers require more pressure relief while maintaining support for the middle and lower back. Mattresses with pocketed coils and softer comfort layers as well as pressure relieving memory foam mattresses do very well. However, lasting comfort and price value are major concerns, which is why we've analyzed hundreds of mattresses and customer data to build this top rated list of mattresses for side sleepers.
+2.7x back pain relief
+2.1x better cooling
Listed top rated mattresses vs. average comparable mattressesTOP PICK: DreamCloud Premier Rest
BEST OVERALL SELECTION: Helix Luxe & Helix Elite
BEST FOR BACK PAIN: Cloverlane
BEST BUDGET: Nectar Mattress
BEST SOFT FEEL: Saatva Classic (Soft)
Sleeping on your side is one of the most common sleeping positions, but also can be the most painful if you don't have a bed or sleeping surface that works. Side sleepers put more pressure on their hips and shoulders than back and stomach sleepers, which can aggravate pressure points, causing tossing and turning during the night.
If this sounds like you, don't despair! There are plenty of good mattresses for side sleepers out there with a bit of research. Some things to consider are your body type and your weight. If you are someone who is heavier, firmer mattresses will naturally contour more to you than if you are lighter. That said, most medium build side sleepers should be looking for a medium firmness mattress. For some, a mattress that is too soft can cause a sinking feeling and misalign your spine.
To help folks that are side sleepers, we have created a scale to show the firmness of mattresses to buy if you are in different weight ranges. If you are lighter and/or have shoulders that are wider than your hips or hips wider than shoulders, aim for the softer side of the oval you fall in. Otherwise, steer towards the middle or firmer side of your oval based on your preference. This way, you will have an aligned spine, won't sink too much, and will have relieved pressure points.
Once you have determined which kind of mattress firmness you will need, now it is time to take a look at the mattress types. Once you've come to this step, it is more about personal preference. Memory foam, hybrids (a blend of memory foam and pocket coils), and latex mattresses can all fit the build. That said, generally, memory foam and hybrids come out on top based on side sleepers' comfort preferences because latex doesn't contour as readily, which can cause pressure point issues. Great options include DreamCloud Premier Rest, Helix Luxe and Elite, Bear Elite, and the Saatva Classic (soft), which all are very pressure relieving mattresses for average sized sleepers and provide generous return policies. Alternatively, for price conscious shoppers, check out the Brooklyn Bedding options, which have multiple firmness options for your body type.
We know how important finding the right bed is, so we've also combined our recommendations with customer satisfaction scores, which takes into consideration warranty and trial policies.
DreamCloud is one of the most exciting brands with 3 of the best rated hybrid mattresses available. The DreamCloud offers the highest value of any hybrid mattress, featuring ultimate support, balanced pressure relief, and a cashmere blend top. The DreamCloud Premier is a fluffy dream that doesn't sacrifice support, great for all-around sleepers. Their DreamCloud Premier Rest adds a pillow top with a 16'' profile for the pinnacle of sumptuous, plush comfort. With customers reporting a deeper sleep and a 365 night trial, this is one of the best luxury bargains anywhere. Now available in Canada.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.8/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.7/10
Price Value: 9.7/10
Back Support: 9.7/10
Price: $349-$2198
Helix is one of the most innovative companies in the mattress-in-a-box space and was one of the first brands to offer a wide selection of tailored firmnesses based on body type. Over the years, they've expanded beyond their original 6 comfort designs to also offer a thicker, more supportive collection of Luxe mattresses and a high-end, ultra-luxurious Elite collection. With high ratings for comfort across their offerings and a powerful sleep quiz to help you choose the right match, Helix really puts a focus on delivering quality mattresses for every type of sleeper.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.7/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.6/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.6/10
Price: $936-$4498
Bear offers 5 top-rated mattresses. Their Bear Original memory foam has won acclaim with athletes on a budget. For those looking for a pressure-relieving feel, the Star Hybrid and Pro Hybrid are great options. Sleepers looking for the responsive feel of natural latex will enjoy the Bear Natural hybrid mattress. Lastly, their Elite Hybrid, features both cooling foams and zoned support to provide sleepers with a luxurious sleep experience. From the Celliant® fibers to copper cooling, customers love these mattresses for their superior cooling, muscle pain relief, and balanced back support.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $786-$4996
Saatva has innovated over time with their mattresses. Their original Saatva Classic mattress is one of the best mattresses online for those looking for a traditional innerspring mattress feel. With an edge on quality, Saatva invested in better coil technology in their Classic, and lavish layers in their foam Loom and Leaf and all-latex Zenhaven mattresses. Over the years, they have innovated further, with their Saatva Latex Hybrid, the Solaire number bed, Saatva HD for larger sleepers, pocket coil Memory Foam Hybrid, and their pain-relieving Saatva Rx.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $925-$5050
One of the most popular mattress brands, Nectar has revolutionized the all-foam mattress industry with designs that focus on universally comfy firmness and support. With 3 all-foam mattresses and even some newer hybrid options, customers have reported enhanced cooling and supreme pressure relief in the Nectar Premier & Luxe. With value-add benefits like a full year trial and 'forever' warranty, quality materials for the price, and 'Buy Now, Pay Later' financing options, it should be a serious consideration for value-conscious shoppers. Now available in Canada. From the UK? See our review for the UK version.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.7/10
Price Value: 9.8/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $349-$2598
Cloverlane is a new luxury brand by Resident Home. With a thick 15" mattress profile that boasts more layers than many online competitors, Cloverlane has been endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association with zoned and lumbar-enhanced layers focusing on spine health. With 3 firmness options, free white glove delivery, 365 day trial, and free returns, Cloverlane offers a serious disruption for the luxury mattress market by offering designs comparable to mattresses $1,000s more expensive.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.6/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.5/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $999-$2598
Nolah came to market in 2016 when they crafted their very own foam, called Nolah AirFoam®, as a response to the memory foam mattress industry. Its innovation is that it retains less heat than other memory foam or common 'visco elastic' foams. It is easier on the hips and shoulders, making it ideal for side sleepers. With multiple mattress options, good customer satisfaction scores, and a tailored mattress for plus sized sleepers, Nolah is a brand anyone can feel good about!
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.5/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.4/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $699-$2499
Brooklyn Bedding is a quality-focused mattress maker that produces a variety of mattresses with different firmness options. Manufacturing all of their mattresses in their own Arizona based factory, Brooklyn Bedding is able to pass on competitive prices and value to their customers. Also, read about their specialty brands: ultra-firm Plank Mattress, plus-size friendly Titan Mattress, and eco-friendly Ecosleep.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.5/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.4/10
Price Value: 9.5/10
Back Support: 9.6/10
Price: $274-$2665
Cocoon by Sealy is Sealy's answer to the disruptive mattress in a box brands that have been so popular over the past two years. They offer a cooling 'Chill' memory foam mattress and hybrid mattress. With massive brand awareness, competitive prices, and easy delivery, Cocoon is an exciting entry into the mattress-in-a-box space. One that's sure to continue to innovate!
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.4/10
Price Value: 9.1/10
Back Support: 9.4/10
Price: $769-$1999
Avocado is a high quality organic and latex mattress brand. Their flagship Green Mattress is an organic latex hybrid mattress that doesn't skimp. For chemical sensitive folks or those that suffer from airborne allergies, having an all-natural mattress is a must, but Avocado goes a step further. They are certified organic, going through a stringent process to have their source materials, factory and products certified GOTS organic. They also offer a Certified Vegan Mattress, a firmer organic all Latex Mattress, a Luxury Organic Hybrid Mattress, and their new, competitively priced Eco Organic Mattress.
Overall Score for Side Sleepers: 9.4/10
Customer Satisfaction: 9.3/10
Price Value: 9.5/10
Back Support: 9.5/10
Price: $777-$9398
Mattress & furniture shopping is an oftentimes tedious and mundane task. This site's sole purpose is to help you make the decision faster and with more peace of mind. We sincerely hope that whatever your interaction with this site, that it is helpful and timely for you, and that the product information here guides you to the best outcome for your daily life. May all benefit! The reviews here are aggregated from other sources across the Internet and although we have tried only to find trustworthy reviews, the content and scores here may be subject to manipulation by agents acting on behalf of manufacturers and marketers. Like all things you read on the Internet, understand there is no better judge than yourself. When it comes to your own comfort, your own body is the only North Star. Where Slumber Search discusses medical ailments, we strive to ensure the information on this site is accurate, current and useful, however, we do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information related to medicine. We are not doctors -- if you have a medical condition, please consult your doctor.
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